RESIDENTS near an unauthorised caravan site have been told it could take up to two months for the council to evict people living there.

The site, off Lower Eccleshill Road, Darwen, was originally granted planning permission for the storage of caravans by Blackburn with Darwen Council. But around two weeks ago vans appeared on the land and people began living in the caravans.

Residents, who did not want to be named, said they were fed up of people 'taking advantage' and were angry that the people had been allowed to continue living there without permission. But despite the council securing permission at last week's planning meeting to serve an enforcement notice, residents have been told it could take until mid February to serve - and even then the travellers would be given another 28 days.

There is also the possibility that they could also appeal against the notice, dragging out the situation even further.

One mother who had spoken to the planning department said she was amazed it could take so long to move someone from a place where they should not be.

She said: "If the travellers appeal, they could be there forever. It's ridiculous. I've seen four caravans and four vans on there at one stage. They were told they could store caravans on there but the permission did not allow people to live on there.

"They've built a concrete wall around the site so it's not obvious they are living there and I've been told that they have installed portable toilets."

Adam Scott, director of regeneration, housing and neighbourhoods at the council, said: "The site in question has had planning permission, in March 2002, for the storage of caravans without residential use. It has become evident, however, that mobile homes on the site have recently been occupied.

"The planning and highways committee at its meeting last Thursday authorised enforcement action to terminate the unauthorised use.

"While it is hoped the owners of the site will take early action to cease this use, the enforcement procedure can take some weeks before it comes into effect, given the need to prepare the legal notices, the rights of appeal and the period that the law allows for compliance."

The site is privately-owned and not council land. None of the caravan residents was prepared to speak on the issue today.